Style Destination

Style destination: Montreal

With its Parisian charm, cool-kid art scene and undeniable obsession with bagels, this francophone metropolis has it all.

DAY 1

Check in to for a chic sleep steeped in history – this stunning hotel was a 19th-century residence before it served as a men-only social club from the 1920s to the 1960s. Head out and fuel up for the day at in the downtown core. Located in the storied Notman House, this modern coffee shop is a hot spot for the startup set. Sit down for a chat and brush up on your French, or grab a cappuccino to go. Walk to , where you can ride the elevator up 46 floors to the 360° Observation Deck and take in an epic panoramic view of the city (major selfie opportunity). Stop two floors down to enjoy lunch at , where you can have reinvented versions of favourite childhood dishes and more. The beef burger and homemade fries are customer favourites, but this vegetarian loved the beet salad topped with warm goat cheese. Next, stroll to and channel your inner child at Impulse – an interactive art installation featuring LED-lit see-saws and more. Continue this style-meets-tech day at the and experience a 3-D art show, virtual reality games and light displays. As for dinner, that’s easy. , located in the same building, offers delicious dishes from celebrated chefs who combine local produce with foodie trends. Head back to the hotel’s for a drink. This cozy British-inspired space is a chic cocktail haven that executes an artistic (and delicious) Pimm’s Cup.

DAY 2

Start your morning at the stunning , basking in the grand splendour of the 1928 building that was once the headquarters of the Royal Bank of Canada. Grab a cup of coffee and a buttery pastry that’s well worth every single calorie. Then, roam the cobblestone streets of Old Montreal, popping into Instagram-worthy shops like with its mint green storefront, gold accents and strings of twinkle lights (it’s also a great place to pick up a souvenir). Enjoy a light petit déjeuner at , then check out , which carries casual-cool fashion brands, and its sister store, , which is stocked with modern accents as well as vintage and retro furniture designs. Once you’ve shopped until you’ve (almost) dropped, head over to for a decadent French dish. You won’t regret the palourdes et flanc de porc, but save room for a twisty cone back at Le Petit Dep. Enjoy it en route to the , which glows in the moonlight. Go from reverence to revelry and grab a nightcap at , an off-the-beaten-path bar that’s accessed by ringing a discreet doorbell. Order up a seasonal cocktail and head back to the hotel to bid the day a bonne nuit.

DAY 3

Do like the locals and grab a bagel from . Then, mosey down to , a decor store teeming with Mid-Century-style furnishings, boho textiles and charming dishware. If your wallet still needs a workout, peruse equally covetable home goodies, as well as skin-care products, clothing and accessories, at . When you’ve shopped up an appetite, head to and make sure you order the yogurt pancake with poached pear. Continue your spree, stopping at places like , which offers chic locally designed and made clothing, and , a dream destination for anyone with a sweet tooth. For dinner, how about some classic Québécois cooking? is the place for a taste of classic poutine – a fitting ending to a fabulous trip.

WHAT TO PACK

Icy days in the European-style city call for pieces that’ll keep you both cozy and chic.